Platos Ideas on Democracy and Government - Essay Example

In his book, “the Republic” Plato states that oligarchy and timocracy are favorable to democracy and that anarchy or totalitarianism is a less preferable system of government.... Plato made it clear that he disliked democratic system of government of Greece.... Plato made it clear that he disliked democratic system of government of Greece.... Plato explains that this eventuality leads to totalitarianism which is the most cruel and unjust system of government....

The development of Greek government took place between 750 B.... The Greeks created constitutional government, whose rules and policies were limited by a constitution.... … Plato using Socrates in The Republic argues constitutional government development in four main phases: timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and tyranny.... Timocracy is defined as a government ruled by people who love honor and are selected according to the degree of honor they hold in society....

Both democracy and Marxism can find their roots in Plato's The Republic.... This caused the basis of an ever changing government that could adapt to new definitions of justice in the future.... The ideal of equality coming from the Renaissance caused both the United States and France to create legislative bodies, constitutions, and create a democratic government that has endured since both revolutions.... 2) What are the main institutions of the Federal government?...

nbsp; Throughout the ages intellectuals have come up with a number of different proposals for an ideal government, each of these proposed ideas is based on a particular and limited view of humanity, some of these ideas are based on a very optimistic view of humans and present the masses of humanity as the epitome of sagacity and intelligence and fully capable of knowing their best interest and others are based on extremely pessimistic beliefs about the public and consider them to be no more than sheep to be lead by a wise ruler....

Insecurities rise for the minorities as the law of majority was the ones favored by democracy and its constitution of that time.... The radical thinkers were not presented during the initial formation of the constitution built on democracy (Beard, 1993).... Various forms of government have existed throughout history of men as civilizations developed and humans advanced their knowledge in various field to survive and flourish.... The origin and issues of democracy would be tackled in depth together with the advantages and Democracy Democracy Various forms of government have existed throughout history of men as civilizations developed and humans advanced their knowledge in various field to survive and flourish....

Locke proposes that after the establishment of a social contract, the first act of the government is creating different branches of the government.... Lock suggested that the optimum number of government branches should be three as this could ensure maximum peace and protection (Rawls & Freeman 53).... Peace in a country is the primary determinant of security and protection; therefore, the government should strive to use its machinery to ensure prevalence of peace and tranquility in the states....

Plato could have mixed the idea of democracy and the idea of philosopher kings.... According to him, an aristocratic government controlled by a philosopher king is the best government.... platos Laws: Force and truth in politics....

The paper "The System of government Through the Creation of an Ideal Society" examines Plato's concepts of virtue and justice.... He criticized the system of government through the creation of an ideal society where justice was embraced in all the activities within the city.... It is understood that Athenian democracy was in the process of destruction and was eventually considered to be liable for Socrates' death.... Moreover, the other reason why it is believed that his concepts of virtue and justice impacted democracy is that his criticisms led to the creation of a balanced and honest political order in Athens....